As an aspiring college student, you must take specific standardized tests on your way to obtain higher education. While these examinations are not the only factor considered when making admissions, they play a crucial role in the process. They assist colleges in assessing candidates' intellectual abilities and potential academic performance. These tests are also used to determine scholarship awards for incoming students.

The SAT and ACT are two of the most widely recognized standardized tests, especially for college admissions in the US. Many international colleges and unis in other countries also accept results from these tests as part of their admissions process. However, many students often find it difficult to differentiate between these two examinations and decide which is most appropriate for them.

Therefore, our article dives into the differences between the SAT and ACT. It provides detailed insights to help students choose the ideal test based on their strengths, weaknesses, and college goals.

ACT Vs. SAT: What's The Difference?

As stated above, the ACT and SAT serve the same objectives, so they're alike in many ways. For example, both cover similar topics, don't deduct points for wrong answers (negative marking), and only give points for correct ones. However, there are some significant differences to consider.  

Below are a few key distinctions between the two tests:

Examination Body

The first significant difference between these tests is that different bodies run them. Each organization has its own background, setup, and testing methods. They also have unique policies, scoring, and formats, which can affect how students choose between the two exams.

The College Board, which runs the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), is a nonprofit group that works to make higher education more accessible. The board includes over 6,000 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational groups. Conversely, American College Testing (ACT) is administered by ACT, Inc., another nonprofit organization focused on educational assessments and research.

Test Length And Number Of Questions

SAT and ACT also differ in the number of questions and total time taken. The SAT takes two hours and fourteen minutes to complete, and candidates must answer 98 questions.

The ACT, on the other hand, takes two hours and 55 minutes without the optional essay section. Candidates are required to answer 215 questions overall. With the optional essay section, candidates are given an additional forty minutes, totaling three hours and 35 minutes.

Test Format And Sections

The SAT is divided into two sections: The Reading and Writing section and the Math section. Candidates get 64 minutes for 54 questions in the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes for 44 questions in the Math section. Each section is divided into two equal parts, with a 10-minute break between them.

The questions in the Reading and Writing section follow the standard four-option multiple-choice format. However, only about 75% of the questions in the Math section are in this format. The rest are student-produced response questions, where you write your answer in a provided field.

Conversely, the ACT has four main and one optional section. These include English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional essay section. Candidates have 45 minutes to answer 75 questions in the English section, while the Math section provides 60 questions with 60 minutes. Candidates have 35 minutes for 40 questions in each of the reading and science sections.

In the optional essay section, candidates are given a prompt, which they must answer in 40 minutes. Except for this optional essay section that requires writing, all the test sections are in the multiple-choice format.

Scoring Scales and Ranges

The SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, and the combined scores are for the Reading, Writing, and Math sections. Scoring above 1050 is considered above average, and a score of 1350 or more puts a candidate in the top 10% of test takers.

On the other hand, the ACT awards composite scores from 1 to 36, the average of all four section scores rounded to the nearest whole number. The optional essay section doesn't affect this composite score.

Scores from 1 to 16 are considered below average, 17 to 24 are average, and 25 to 36 are above. Colleges, however, have varying preferences for ACT scores. Some favor only scores in the 30s, while others still accept mid-20s scores.

Choosing the Right Test

You shouldn’t just randomly choose the right test for you like you are playing a game of chance on this website. Instead, you should carefully consider three key factors: your personal strengths, weaknesses, and the preferences of your target college.

Personal Strengths And Weaknesses

While ACT and SAT have different formats, saying that one test is easier would be inaccurate. Whether a test is manageable or challenging depends on your strengths and weaknesses, which shape your test format preferences. For instance, if you enjoy writing and verbal skills, the ACT might suit you better, while those who excel in math might lean towards the SAT.

Trying practice tests for both can give you a better sense of which one you feel more comfortable with. Therefore, do full practice tests for the SAT and ACT, and time yourself for better evaluation. Even if your scores are close, remember where you struggled most.

Rather than seeking the "easier" test, concentrate on leveraging your strengths and working on your weaknesses to boost your scores.

Target College's Preferences

Although most colleges accept and use both ACT and SAT as criteria for admission and scholarship, they don't all value them equally. Therefore, you must research appropriately to find out what your chosen college prefers.

If your preferred colleges accept both tests equally, consider taking practice exams for the SAT and ACT to see which one you perform better on. Ultimately, choose the one that gives you the best chance of meeting the requirements and aligns well with your academic strengths.

Conclusion

Deciding between the SAT and ACT requires careful consideration. After understanding how they differ, you must consider your strengths, weaknesses, and what your target college prefers. These factors will help you make an informed decision. Also, you should take performance tests on both to evaluate yourself accurately.